Pte
Banfield was a farmer near the northern city of Devonport before
being drafted in May, 1968.
On the 21st August, 1969, during 'Operation Camden', his platoon and
one other, were in contact with a heavily defended bunker system. As
both platoons assaulted the position they came under heavy machine
gun, RPG and 61mm mortar fire, forcing a withdrawal. At this time a
mortar round exploded close by killing Pte Banfield and wounding his
Platoon Sergeant Garth Wheat. The contact continued for some time
with the majority of soldiers in both platoons being wounded.